I have posted under African Hunting forum some questions regarding caliber and ammo combinations for a leopard hunt.
Would appreciate feedback from you pistol hunters on my caliber/ammo selections, pros and cons, etc.
I didn't want to re-type all of the information on my set ups so its posted under the above post.

Thanks, Dirk

I did not read your referral query. Your question can stand on its own.

Never send a boy to do a man's job.

Let's assume this is not a joke. If one can afford to hunt leopard in Africa with a handgun legally, I deduce one can afford to acquire any handgun. I would think the largest entrance wound obtainable is preferred -- which translates to revolvers in the .475-.50-caliber range. Wound would be horrendous on such a small animal, and a revolver allows relatively quick follow-up shots.

But what do I know?

To me, the 44mag is the limit for just about all big game hunting (maybe a 41mag for deer/hogs). I like the 45colt better & it just gets better as you go up in bore size. For Leopard (never hunted them) I would want a heavy, 270gr-300gr soft point or stout JHP like the XTP driven fast. They are not thick skinned or large boned.

Leopard with a handgun? Save one shot for your own use.....

Of those two I would go with a 44 mag and a 300 grain sierra or other jacketed bullet that expands. Or a wide meplat hard cast.

Leopards are tough and not prone to run away when wounded.

The only video I saw of a guy shooting a leopard with a handgun the guy almost got his face ripped of and his guts tore out. They used dogs to bay it to a rock outcropping.

At the shot the leopard was on the shooter good shot or bad the cat still had time to get on the guy.

Plain and simple, there are better choices for the leopard and you.

Handgun importation to some African countries is not permitted for sport hunting. Unless you can borrow/rent a handgun, you will be out of luck. Most likely, you will be required to hunt with dogs if using a handgun. Hunting with dogs is usually done in Namibia where handgun hunting is illegal.

Geoff

Handgun hunting is legal with a special permit from parks in Zimbabwe. You could use a 'scoped one over bait, or whatever you like on one with dogs. Technically, .454 is the legal minimum for class C game like leopard.

Tristan Peacock - a very experienced leopard houndsman here in zim always used to carry a desert eagle in .50AE, as he couldn't manage a rifle and the tracking gear/collar calls etc. He has shot a fair number of leopards with that cannon when things have not gone as planned.

If you are an excellent shot and if its legal, then I would opt for a 44 magnum with a soft point bullet a little on the mushy side, one that works great on deer should be just the ticket for Leopard...On the other hand I think I will stick to a rifle for Mr. Spots, he is a buzz saw when pissed!, probably won't kill you, but tends to chew you up very badly indeed.

Hunting of big game in most African countries you need a min caliber of 375H&H.

Leopard is a soft skinned animal. Your blind is with in 20 yards as you would most probably shoot during low light or dark.

Guys with rifles mess up the shots as well. So make sure you talk to your outfitter on this but a 44 Mag should have no problem.

Remember you have only one shot. Make sure it counts or someone is going to bleed.